Make a Wooden Spindle Message Sign

When Christmas gets closer, I am always in a flurry of activity crafting last-minute gifts for family and friends. I try to focus on gifts that are quick and can be made in multiples for several people. Inexpensive crafts that use supplies I have available is a must.

As I was scanning the piles of possibilities, I spotted a collection of old spindles. These spindles were salvaged from staircases, table legs and an old bookshelf. Several of the spindles had a repeating pattern with flat edges. An idea of message signs started to sprout in my mind. By using my Cricut Expression die-cutter and a wallpaper sample book, I crafted several in an afternoon.

I had previously acquired discontinued wallpaper sample books from a store that sells wallpaper, but leftover wallpaper from home projects, decorative paper or card stock can also be used. If you do not have access to a Cricut, pre-cut die-cuts are available at craft stores.

Don't limit this project to just Christmas. It is not holiday specific and could be used as a gift anytime of the year.

This project can be altered to fit the spindle you have, and shorter or longer words can be used.

Things You Will Need:
Spindle with a repeating design that is at least 1-inch wide
Ruler
Jigsaw or miter saw
Sandpaper
Off-white acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Cricut Expression
Doodletype Cricut cartridge
2 contrasting wallpaper colors
Craft glue
Mod Podge
Raffia
Scissors

Step 1
Count four repeats in the spindle's design and cut using a jigsaw or miter saw. Sand the cut edges to remove any splintering.

Step 2
Paint the spindle using off-white acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry and apply additional coats for complete coverage.

Step 3
Cut 16, 1-inch solid circles from wallpaper using your Cricut and the Doodletype Cricut cartridge. These circles are the backing to your letters.

Step 4
Each letter of the sign is cut into a 1-inch circle that will go on the front of each solid circle. The solid backing circles will show through the cut of the letter-circles. Cut four, 4-letter words for each side of the spindle. I chose "love, pray, home and hope".

Step 5
Apply spray adhesive to the front of each solid circle. Place a cut letter-circle over the solid circles.

Step 6
Turn the layered circles over with the back facing up. Apply spray adhesive to the back of the circles.

Step 7
Place the letters on the repeats of the spindle, creating a word on each of the four sides. Press the letters down firmly. Monitor them as they dry. If they begin to curl up, press them down again until they stick.

Step 8
Paint a coat of Mod Podge over the letters and the entire surface of the spindle. Allow the Mod Podge to dry. I applied two coats.

Step 9
Cut several long strands of raffia. Bundle them together. Wrap the bundle around the spindle and tie the ends in a knot. Trim the ends as desired.